Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has exercised an option in the contract of Kobi Simmons to keep the forward at the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Kobi Simmons to remain at Baskonia until end of season

[Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/kosner-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/) has exercised an option in the contract of [Kobi Simmons](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kobi-simmons/014152/) to keep the forward at the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Since signing for Baskonia on an initial two-month deal, Simmons has become a key player for coach Paolo Galbiati, playing 13 games in the EuroLeague and averaging 9.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">📰Kosner Baskonia y Kobi Simmons unidos hasta final de temporada<br><br>🔗<a href="https://t.co/IebVxtFh9b">https://t.co/IebVxtFh9b</a> <a href="https://t.co/nKQl5b8Gcs">pic.twitter.com/nKQl5b8Gcs</a></p>&mdash; Kosner Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/2003571585178062875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 28-year-old has also enjoyed a significant role for Baskonia in the Spanish League, posting 11.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in seven appearances.

Simmons and Baskonia next play on January 2, 2026, when they host Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the first game of the new year.

More Baskonia News

He has impressed since joining on an initial two-month deal

Far from the usual Santa letters, where children spread holiday cheer, EuroLeague teams are focusing on improving their fortunes for 2026.

Better luck and more successful efforts on the court were the main themes across the leaked letters from EuroLeague teams to Santa Claus. However, some specific requests are much more intriguing.

Eurohoops managed to intercept these letters to Santa.

In the middle of Round 18 of the 2025-26 regular season, on Christmas Eve, we exclusively present some of the most interesting requests from the 20 clubs, who are hoping for something special under the Christmas tree.

These findings have neither been confirmed nor denied by the clubs.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1911014/santa-letters-euroleague/).

The EuroLeague edition of “What are you wishing for Christmas?”

Bastien Vautier had a night he will never forget. The 27-year-old LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne big man dominated, fought and eventually carried his team to a thrilling 103-99 double-overtime win over the visiting Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

Bastien Vautier shines in 2OT thriller, lifts ASVEL over Efes

[Bastien Vautier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bastien-vautier/014014/) had a night he will never forget. The 27-year-old [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/asv/) big man dominated, fought and eventually carried his team to a thrilling 103-99 double-overtime win over the visiting [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/).

“What an incredible night,” Vautier said in a EuroLeague TV interview after the game. “Crazy night.”

Vautier came into the game averaging 4.6 points and 2.5 rebounds, playing less than 13 minutes a game. In his first season in the EuroLeague, Vautier had scored in double figures only once in the first 17 games: 12 points in the season opener against Valencia Basket.

On Tuesday night, however, Vautier showed how high his ceiling really is, looking like a true EuroLeague star. He finished the game with 28 points, making 10 of 13 two-point shots, and pulling down 4 rebounds. All in 26 minutes on the floor.

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne-Anadolu Efes Istanbul | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

In a game in which no team had a double-digit lead, though ASVEL trailed by 9 points on several occasions in the third quarter, nothing was more impressive than Vautier’s performance in the first overtime. Of his team’s 12 points, Vautier first assisted fellow big man [Mbaye Ndiaye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mbaye-ndiaye/012731/) for an alley-oop dunk, and then went on to score 10 consecutive points, including 2 free throws with 9.9 seconds to go, tying the game at 92-92 and forcing a second overtime.

The second extra session is when [Thomas Heurtel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-heurtel/klt/) reminded us how clutch he can be.

The 36-year-old veteran of 260 EuroLeague appearances, who returned to the competition this season after three years away, made a pair of baskets to maintain a slim ASVEL lead in the second OT. Heurtel turned back the clock against his former team, finishing with 17 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds.

After the final buzzer, it was clear how much the win meant for ASVEL players and the coaching staff.

“I believe we are on the right path. I am very proud of this team”, Vautier said. “I hope this win will change everything.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SPECIAL NIGHT 🚿 <a href="https://t.co/ZSXfKDHbfi">pic.twitter.com/ZSXfKDHbfi</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/2003602339869978978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Vautier might be onto something. Obviously, there is a good reason ASVEL is at the bottom of the standings, and to understand that, one just needs to look at team’s 10 losses in as many games this season.

However, with this victory, ASVEL is now 5-3 at home. And with the fight the team displayed, they will be all but an easy out.

“Players, all of them fought really hard, and they kept believing we can do it even when we were down \[9 points\]”, head coach Pierric Poupet said.

“It is not about Xs and Os. It’s not about strategy, not about game plan. It’s all about who wants to win it more and who goes for it. And my guys went for it. We deserved it.”

Game News

The big man erupted for a career-high 28 points, including an explosive first overtime period

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-12-23T19:45:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball celebrated a smooth 102-92 home win over Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade on Tuesday night to improve to 6-12 and snap a six-game losing run, with five home players finishing in double figures and the hosts forcing 19 turnovers from the disjointed visitors.

Paris rediscovers its groove against Crvena Zvezda, ends six-game losing streak in style

[Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) celebrated a 102-92 home win over [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) on Tuesday night to improve to 6-12 and snap a six-game losing run, with five home players finishing in double figures in points and the hosts forcing 19 turnovers from the disjointed visitors.

The French team led from start to finish and was up by as many as 20 points in the closing stages, 100-80, as Zvezda failed to keep up with the relentless pace which saw Paris amass 10 steals and dish out 23 assists.

Zvezda dropped to 10-8 after suffering its sixth loss in the last nine games, as too many of its players performed well below par against the fast-flowing home side which hustled tirelessly and made big shots when it mattered.

Paris Basketball-Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

[Justin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/justin-robinson/014008/) paced Paris on 16 points and 8 assists while [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) chipped in with 15 points and 6 assists as the dynamic duo led the charge. [Lamar Stevens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lamar-stevens/014009/) netted 14 points, [Amath M’Baye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/amath-m-baye/007993/) scored 12 and [Momo Faye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/faye-mouhamed/012403/) amassed 10 to round out a flawless team effort.

“I am proud of the guys and the organization as we battled through adversity,” Robinson said in his post-game comments. “It’s a piece in the puzzle and hopefully we can keep this going and move upwards. We’ve been playing well, we just couldn’t finish. It’s good for us to get a finish tonight and feel how it is to win the game.”

Hifi added: “It’s a great feeling to win at home. We showed a good face last week in Madrid, and tonight we won against a very good team. No one said the EuroLeague was going to be easy but we have to trust each other and keep working.”

Zvezda closed in several times during the game, but each time the home team’s lead looked threatened Paris responded with either a three-pointer or a fast break which kept Zvezda at bay, as the visiting team also struggled against some aggressive defending.

[Jared Butler](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jared-butler/014163/) stood out for Zvezda with a game-high 31 points as he poured one shot from downtown after another in a historic fourth quarter. His 22-points in the final 10 minutes marked the second-most points ever scored by a single player in one quarter, bested only by Carsen Edwards's 26-point outburst in a game last season for FC Bayern Munich. 

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSn13cJDHXn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Paris Basketball 🏀 (@parisbasketball)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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[Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) scored 18 points and [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) added 17 points and 10 rebounds, but the trio received virtually no support from the rest of the crew as Jordan Nwora finished on a mere 3 points while [Devonte' Graham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devonte-graham/014028/) – who went scoreless – played for just 2:02 minutes, which came in the first half.

“Paris deserved to win,” Zvezda’s head coach Sasa Obradovic said. “We had some bad decisions on the court and all we can do is congratulate Paris. We didn’t defend well or challenge their shots. We lacked energy and fitness as we failed to stop their fast breaks and struggled on offense. We just weren’t good enough and didn’t have enough productive players to win this game.”

Paris head coach Francesco Tabellini was purring with delight after the game, pointing out that his team had regrouped after a series of tough losses to give the fans something to cheer about before the upcoming festive period.

“It’s always a special feeling to win the last game before Christmas,” he said. ”We were resilient and able to regain our composure and tried to push our togetherness a little bit further. A lot of players in double digits and that feels good. It was difficult getting home with that bitter feeling after a number of close defeats, but we managed to dig deep and rebuild.”

The French team led by as many as 20 points in the closing stages after a flowing team effort

Paris Basketball v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-12-23T19:45:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket bounced back from a potentially demoralizing loss to defeat Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, 91-81, in Round 18 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague

Valencia bounces back with statement win over Baskonia 

“To get a win in EuroLeague means so much,” stated [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-costello/010444/), moments after his [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) team overcame [Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/), 91-81. “ We’re fighting for something here and it takes every single game. We dropped a couple that I think we could’ve got, so we needed this one.”

The win saw Valencia bounce back from a potentially demoralizing loss. Last week, [Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv ended Valencia’s five-game winning streak](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-gets-lucky-against-valencia-now-wants-to-stay-humble-after-fourth-straight-win/), so *Las Taronjas* returned to the Roig Arena with a point to prove in this rivalry match-up. Valencia did exactly that, earning the win to improve its record to 12-6 and climb into a tie for second place in the standings.

Valencia Basket-Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

After a slow start for both teams offensively, Pedro Martinez’s men let it fly from beyond the arc to open up an early double-digit advantage. Swarming the visitors and capitalizing on their errors, the hosts calmly tightened their grip over the contest as it continued to develop.

Late in the third, Baskonia came back swinging, staying within touching distance and eventually putting together a run in the final frame to reduce the deficit to single figures. It was too little, too late, however, and Valencia steadied the ship in the final minutes to secure the 10-point win.

Costello played the starring role, adding 6 boards to his 18-point scoring display and making 3 of his 4 shots from beyond the arc. His presence was felt throughout the clash, making multiple hustle plays and showing clear signs of leadership.

Of course, Costello couldn’t do it alone. [Kameron Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kameron-taylor/011217/) and [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jean-montero/010042/) both chipped in with 16 points, while [Brancou Badio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/brancou-badio/007527/) and [Omari Moore](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omari-moore/014115/) also finished the game in double figures. Despite the loss, [Eugene Omoruyi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/eugene-omoruyi/014207/) impressed for Baskonia, leading his team with 17 points.

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Baskonia paid its first-ever visit to Roig Arena on the back of eight consecutive road defeats, so optimism was hard to come by. His team managed to bring the game to within 4 points in the final quarter, but coach Paolo Galbiati bemoaned their lack of composure down the stretch.

“It was not enough,” Galbiati said. “Our focus was not enough. It was our first game in 8 days, but we cannot play without focus. Valencia play with very good pace, with energy, with effort, we cannot play like this.”

As one of the in-form EuroLeague teams, Valencia is flying so far this season and will be buoyed by this bounce-back win. It will have a chance to build on the momentum against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade next Tuesday. Baskonia, which fell to 6-12 with the loss, will welcome a break before returning to action against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul on January 2.

Matt Costello shines with 18 points as Valencia regains momentum and moves into a tie for second place

Valencia bounces back with statement win over Baskonia

Valencia Basket v Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-12-23T19:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv spoiled two homecomings at once by defeating FC Bayern Munich 72-82, as the German side played its first EuroLeague home game since November 12 and its first game with head coach Svetislav Pesic back in the hot seat.

Hapoel pleased about stacking another good day in win over motivated Bayern

[Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/hta/) spoiled two homecomings at once by defeating [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/) 72-82, as the German side played its first EuroLeague home game since November 12 and its [first game with head coach Svetislav Pesic back in the hot seat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/svetislav-pesic-replaces-gordie-herbert-as-bayern-head-coach/).

Hapoel, however, showed why it tops the EuroLeague standings as it dominated for the entire game, allowing it to improve to 13-5 and rebound from its loss at Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens last week.

“We knew that we were going to be facing a team that was on fire after some 40 days being back home and playing a EuroLeague game. Changes in the coaching staff always works as extra motivation, too. But we wanted to bounce back as well and try to defend, and I think we accomplished that,” Hapoel coach Dimitris Itoudis said.

FC Bayern Munich-Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Hapoel already led by double figures for parts of the first half but put the game out of reach with a 0-16 run over nearly 6 minutes in the third quarter. The advantage grew to 25 points early in the fourth quarter when Hapoel started taking its foot off the gas. Bayern used that and did some cosmetics to the final result, getting to within 10 points at the final buzzer. 

“At the end of the day, we got the win and that’s all that matters as a team. There are a lot of things to correct and get better from. But we’ll enjoy this one and move on,” said [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/), who set the tone with 16 of his team-high 18 points in the first half. “They don’t stop until the final buzzer, so you have to play hard the whole time.”

[Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/012788/) added 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners, who also got 12 points each from [Antonio Blakeney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/antonio-blakeney/013402/) and [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/). 

“We’re just trying to stack good days,” said Oturu. “Today we were able to come out with the win. I think we played pretty well throughout the whole game and disrupt some of the things that they do well. I’m grateful that we were able to leave here on a happy note.

“Every game imposes different challenges. Bayern posed a certain challenge that we had to accept. And I think we accepted that challenge.” 

For Bayern, the game was a return home after playing seven consecutive road games in the EuroLeague – losing all of them, as well as the one before. The ninth consecutive loss drops the team to 5-13, and it was the first game with returning head coach Pesic, who was brought in to replace Gordie Herbert. 

“We must play much better. I had the feeling tonight that our opponent was playing five against zero. They must feel our physical approach. They must feel that we are here,” said Pesic, who coached at Bayern from 2012 to 2016. “The second half was a little bit better. Our first job in the German League and EuroLeague is to improve our defense. We are too comfortable. We must play more aggressive.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">📸👹 <a href="https://t.co/XNpXfF9WB6">pic.twitter.com/XNpXfF9WB6</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/2003570600439054350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the game, Pesic set the record as the oldest coach in EuroLeague history at 76 years, three months and 26 days old, surpassing Aito Garcia Reneses, who was 74, three and 19 days old when he coached ALBA Berlin on April 8, 2021.

Pesic wants to see what he has to work with and all 12 Bayern players played, with only [Spencer Dinwiddie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/spencer-dinwiddie/014162/) appearing for fewer than 10 minutes. [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) hit 3 three-pointers to pace the team with 18 points, and [David McCormack](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/david-mccormack/013386/) added 12 points. 

One aspect of the second half for Bayern that Pesic appreciated was the hosts only allowing three Hapoel offensive rebounds, after the Israeli side crashed the offensive glass for nine boards in the first 20 minutes.

“We will begin from the start and the start is defense,” Pesic said of the new beginning. “We have to improve our attitude. Okay, we lost the game, and we are not happy. But we have to find some positive things and find continuity, especially on defense.”

While Hapoel is far along in its process, Bayern seems like it is only at the start of a new era.

Dimitris Itoudis's men spoiled Bayern's welcome home party

FC Bayern Munich v Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (2025-12-23T18:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens looked on course for a long, rough night during the first half of its game at Zalgiris Kaunas. But it recovered after the break to secure an 85-92 win.

Cedi Osman shines as Panathinaikos catches fire from deep in comeback win at Zalgiris

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) looked on course for a long, rough night during the first half of its game at [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/). Zalgirio Arena was buzzing, as the hosts dominated in the paint to secure a 50-40 lead at halftime.

Everything was clicking for Zalgiris on the offensive end, with the hosts going 17 for 28 from inside the arc. Its bigs were finishing comfortably by throwing down open dunks and its guards were going all the way to the basket, with Panathinaikos’s defense not up to the task before the break.

Everything changed after the interval, however, as the visitors tightened up their defense and held the Lithuanian side to just 14 points in the third quarter. 

Zalgiris Kaunas-Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Meanwhile, on the other end, [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/) caught fire and didn't look back.

After scoring just 5 points in the first half, the Panathinaikos forward exploded in the second half to end the game on a team-high 22 points. His two triples in the third quarter allowed the visitors to cut the difference to 64-63 heading into the final frame.

Osman opened the fourth with another three that was followed with a mid-range jumper before his fifth three-pointer of the night gave Panathinaikos a 68-71 lead. 

[Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) took over by netting 7 of his team’s next 10 points, with the guests going on an 0-11 run to practically finish the game off. Panathinaikos eventually came away with an 85-92 win.

An extremely efficient Osman looked unstoppable, going an impressive 8 for 9 from the field in just over 33 minutes on the floor. After the game, he admitted that a wake-up call at halftime helped him flip the switch.

“At halftime, the coach had a few words for me,” Osman told EuroLeague TV. “Nothing bad, but it just kind of woke me up. In the first half I was just a bit passive, I had a couple of mistakes defensively. So, I had to wake up in the third quarter, and obviously the coach did a very good job on that. He totally woke me up and I just did my best for the team tonight, played with energy and we got a great win.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/cediosman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cediosman</a> SIMPLY COULDN’T MISS TONIGHT 🔥🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://t.co/BP48K20iuF">pic.twitter.com/BP48K20iuF</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/2003566014802591995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Panathinaikos went 13 for 22 from beyond the arc to score 92 points against EuroLeague's second-stingiest defense (81.5 points conceded per game) heading into Tuesday’s clash. They made 9 of 14 from deep in the second half, outscoring Zalgiris 35-52 in the final 20 minutes. In fact, Panathinaikos is the first team to reach the 90-point mark at Zalgiris this season.

Meanwhile, on the other end, Ataman’s side did a great job of containing an in-form [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/), who was held to a season-low 4 points. What's more, the Zalgiris guard failed to score in a second half that saw his team’s offense suffocated by the guests.

“Our defense stepped up tonight, in the second half in particular,” Nunn told EuroLeague TV. “First half was a bit shaky, they got a lot of lobs and layups at the basket undefended, but went to the locker room, gathered, talked together and we stepped it up.”

Having grabbed its third straight victory, Panathinaikos heads into next week’s Greek derby brimming with confidence. And should the Greens emulate their second-half defensive performance, as well as their execution from beyond the arc, they will be able to close the first half of the season in style.

The Turkish forward fired on all cylinders in the second half to turn the game around

Zalgiris Kaunas v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-12-23T18:00:00.000Z)

For fans of defensive basketball, the Round 18 clash between Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and FC Barcelona delivered.

Devon Hall, Wade Baldwin come to the rescue as Fenerbahce topples in-form Barcelona

For fans of defensive basketball, the Round 18 clash between [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) and [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) delivered.

Both teams made scoring a grind, and the outcome wasn’t decided until the final seconds. [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and [Devon Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devon-hall/011205/) emerged as the difference-makers, with Baldwin sinking three free throws before Hall’s lockdown defense on [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) forced a contested look that Baldwin swatted away, sealing a 72-71 win for Fenerbahce in its final game of 2025 – a year that notably included the club’s second EuroLeague title.

“Amazing. Devon did incredible defense on Punter, who had been amazing all game long,” [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/), who finished with 8 points and 10 rebounds, told EuroLeague TV afterward. “And Wade knocking down all three free throws to take the lead. Amazing job.

“Details at the end matter. We were better than them at the end, and that’s why we got the win. Amazing win, playing defense and playing as a team. This is what matters.”

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul-FC Barcelona | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Coach Saras Jasikevicius echoed those sentiments in his post-game comments, singling out Hall while framing the victory as further evidence of his team’s championship mentality.

“Everybody knows what kind of defender Devon Hall is,” Jasikevicius said. “We chose to leave him one-on-one on the last possession. Devon did the job, others came to help, and then it was scrambling at the end.

“It’s just another character win for our guys. This is why they are champions.”

Fenerbahce’s 72 points marked its fourth-lowest output of the season, but Barcelona was held to a season-low 71. While Jasikevicius would like to see more offensive consistency, the result mattered most – Fenerbahce’s eighth win in its last nine games.

“As a coach, at some point you want to start playing better basketball,” Jasikevicius said. “But what can I say? It’s the same speech I’ve been giving for three months. We’ll take the win, go home, watch the video tomorrow. Hopefully it starts clicking offensively. For now, we’re doing it with defense and grit.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Ataşehir’de unutulmaz bir akşam daha! 🎉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/N9SgIeGd0d">pic.twitter.com/N9SgIeGd0d</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/2003551918858387512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The outcome could easily have gone the other way. Fenerbahce led for much of the game, from late in the first quarter through the closing minutes of the third, before [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/) swung momentum back Barcelona’s way. The guard scored 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, while Punter – held in check after 16 first-half points – appeared to deliver the dagger with a three-pointer inside the final minute that put Barcelona 67-69 ahead.

Instead, Baldwin responded with five points in the final 43 seconds. Jasikevicius also came away impressed by a Barcelona side revitalized under Xavi Pascual, who has now lost just twice since returning as head coach – both defeats coming in Istanbul, following an earlier loss to Anadolu Efes before a five-game winning streak.

“This was a big game, and in big games you don’t settle – you take the ball to the rim,” Jasikevicius said. “Our decisions could have been better in terms of creating shots off kick-outs, but Barcelona with Xavi is a big-time contender.”

Fenerbahce now sits at 11-6 after an impressive turnaround from a 3-5 start. Barcelona, also trending upward under Pascual, is 12-6 through 18 games. Barcelona hosts AS Monaco on December 30, while Fenerbahce travels to face Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on January 2.

Punter had a chance to win it, but Hall’s defense and a Baldwin block carried the defending champions over the line

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v FC Barcelona (2025-12-23T17:45:00.000Z)

Is McKinley Wright the EuroLeague monthly MVP for December in waiting?
Dwayne Bacon certainly thinks so, after watching his Dubai Basketball teammate maintain his outstanding form by spearheading a solid 99-90 victory over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Tuesday evening.


Bacon hails Wright as MVP-in-waiting after combining to down Milan

Is McKinley Wright the EuroLeague monthly MVP for December in waiting?

Dwayne Bacon certainly thinks so, after watching his Dubai Basketball teammate maintain his outstanding form by spearheading a solid 99-90 victory over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Tuesday evening.

Wright compiled a PIR of 30 after spending more than 32 minutes on the floor, scoring 19 points on 5-of-8 two-point shooting and making 10 of his 11 free throws. He also dished 9 assists, grabbed 4 rebounds and snared 2 steals in an all-action performance.

Those numbers ensured that Wright played a big part in allowing Dubai to lead from start to the finish, especially in the fourth quarter as he netted 11 points to hold off Milan’s numerous attempts to take the lead for the first time.

That marked a continuation of a superb run of form by the EuroLeague rookie, who has now averaged 19 points, 9.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals for a stellar PIR of 29.8 over the course of December’s five games, which have seen Dubai solidify its position in the middle of the standings by compiling a 3-2 record with wins over Anadolu Efes Istanbul, FC Bayern Munich and now Milan.

And Bacon believes that those numbers are deserving of individual glory for the 27-year-old Wright, who has stepped up seamlessly to the EuroLeague after catching the eye during two impressive seasons in the EuroCup with Buducnost VOLI Podgorica.

 “We played together, and we got an MVP point guard of the month in McKinley Wright,” Bacon told EuroLeague TV. “He should win MVP point guard of the month. He’s been playing great this whole month. It took him a minute \[at the start of the season\] to find his way, but once he got in he’s been playing great this entire month, phenomenal.”

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Monthly MVP selections tend to come from teams that have won the most games, so Dubai’s dropped games against Virtus Bologna and Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv might mean that Wright is left unrewarded for his heroics, but more importantly, he has certainly set them on a good path to challenge for a playoff position in the second half of the regular season.

The victory was Dubai’s seventh on its home court so far this season, with its 7-2 record better than every team in the league other than Spanish pair Real Madrid and Valencia (both 7-1 at home). And Wright revealed that staying strong in the Coca-Cola Arena was a specific motivation for Jurica Golemac’s men as they headed into the game.

“We knew we needed it, we lost the last one at home, so we needed to protect the home court,” he said. “Coach told us we couldn’t lose any more at home and we were all on the same page. As long as we execute the game plan and play defense, we can win a lot of games.”

Wright’s main accomplice in the victory was Bacon, who marked his second appearance since returning from injury by pouring in 25 points – with 20 of those coming during a first half that saw Dubai set the tone for the rest of the game by grabbing a series of double-digit leads.

Bacon also grabbed 8 rebounds to help underline Dubai’s physical commitment and solid organisation, and the former Monaco and Panathinaikos star praised the collective ethic, which he believes could take the team a long way this season.

“Everybody just trusted each other and played together. Hopefully, we can stay on this winning streak. It’s a very tough league, so we want to take it one game at a time, one practice at a time, trust in each other, have each other’s back and the sky’s the limit.”

With Wright and Bacon side by side, Dubai certainly will not be an easy team to beat.

Dubai’s dynamic duo totalled 44 points to inspire a solid home victory

Dubai Basketball v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-12-23T16:00:00.000Z)